Guest artists from the American Ballet Theatre and the San Francisco Ballet join the Emerald Ballet and a live orchestra during this performance.

This “Nutcracker” is done in the Russian tradition as young Clara enters the world of Sugar Plum Fairies, Snowflakes and a Nutcracker prince.

“A Storybook Nutcracker”: Here’s another way to get “Nutcracking” early this year, and this narrated production is especially good for children to help them grasp the story.

Local actor and director Sue Weingarten will narrate to bring this story alive, with the help of 50 dancers and actors.

This fully staged production with snow and scenery has been a tradition in Everett for 18 years as director Jennifer Greene and Alderwood Dance Spectrum present the story of Clara and the Nutcracker prince in this family friendly way.

To help children sit through the long opening act, Greene presents a shortened version of Act I. There’s an interactive part where the characters engage the audience as guests and Mother Ginger, aka Darlene Larsen, greets guests and invites them to the Christmas party, according to press material about the show.

“A Storybook Nutcracker” is to be performed at 9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Dec. 6; 7 p.m. Dec. 7; and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Snohomish County PUD Auditorium, 2320 California Ave., Everett.

• Pacific Northwest Ballet: Various times and dates, Dec. 7 through 29 at 321 Mercer St. Seattle; 206-441-2424; www.pnb.org. Tickets $25 to $125 for adults and $22 to $113 for kids. Tickets available by phone, online or at the box office, 301 Mercer Street, Seattle.